Kristen and Larry met through a mutual friend in 2012 at the nightclub Grooves of Houston. Kristen’s friend had known Larry for about a year and was convinced that she would find him a good woman. On June 1, 2012, she did just that by introducing him to her friend Kristen, who was in town visiting. "Although, we only had a few days to get to know each other before Kristen headed back to Pennsylvania, we still continued to talk everyday via phone and social media when she returned home," recalled Larry. It didn't take Kristen and Larry long to realize that they had both found “The One." Kristen eventually moved to Houston a year later and they have been together ever since. Check out their Great Gatsby inspired wedding, captured by Cory Dixon.
Bride: Kristen Lee James, 32, Registered Nurse
Groom: Larry De’Andre James, 28, Police Officer (Sergeant
Place of residence: Houston, Texas
Wedding date: 10/18/15
Wedding location: The Bell Tower on 34th , Houston, Texas
Wedding theme: The Great Gatsby (#TheGreatJamesWedding)
Honeymoon Destination: Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Engagement story:
Our engagement story is actually a funny one. When I met Kristen, she had my heart from that first day. I thought that if I was going to ask her to be my wife that it would have to be something extravagant. For a couple of months, I thought of some of the craziest and most corny things to do as a proposal. Some ideas included Skydiving but that was immediately out of the picture after watching an episode of Fresh Prince (lol). I even thought of proposing to Kristen at the Motown Review held in Houston. I was really considering paying the show to dress up as a dancer and surprising Kristen in front of everyone dressed like a temptation. Thank God that did not happen. After all of those crazy thoughts, I prayed on it and asked for some elderly advice (My Father), who told me that it’s not about the show or the glitz and glam of proposing; it’s about the intimacy and the love we had for each other to take the next step in our lives. So I planned a dinner where I invited all of Kristen’s closest friends from Boston and New Jersey, and her family from Pennsylvania as a surprise to be there to witness our special day. Although, it was a stressful task trying to keep everyone silent, it worked out perfectly. More importantly, SHE SAID YES!!!
From the Groom
My wedding experience was the first time I ever experienced all possible emotions in one day. I was literally scared, nervous, happy, more nervous, more scared, super happy, back nervous, and last but not least relief that it was all over. No more planning and talking about wedding stuff which had consumed my life for the past 17 months.
From the Bride:
My wedding experience was wonderful. The planning wasn't as stressful as I thought it would be. To be honest, I actually had fun planning, thanks to my planner/now friend Erica Gordon. She made it very easy for Larry and myself. I really trusted her and knew she would make our fairy tale wedding a reality. On the actual wedding day, I was excited and nervous. Bridezilla probably even made an appearance. My emotions were all over the place. I wanted everything to be perfect, but I was advised and knew that things could go wrong and be out of my control.
What makes your love special?
Our love is not easily explained and could be misunderstood by most, but that’s what makes us a perfect match. We accept each others flaws, we are ourselves, and we found happiness together. In other words, we found perfection in imperfection. Our love has faced many obstacles. We had it all, we lost it all, but most importantly we stuck together to get it all back. It’s only the beginning for #TeamJames.
Most memorable moment:
Groom: My best and most memorable moment was seeing both of our grandmother’s at the wedding reception dancing together. Seeing both of our new mothers crying as we walked down the aisle. Seeing two families from different parts of the world being joined together by love that started from a simple conversation between two people at a club.
Bride: My best and most memorable moment was seeing Larry's face as I walked down the aisle. He couldn't hold the tears back. All I could see was him everyone else was a blur.
Wedding song: John Legend- Stay With You. We picked that song because it’s a perfect symbolization for our relationship/ love. Appearance and beauty will fade, love and trust will be tested, and sometimes we will both feel like giving up. However, as long as we both say we’re staying and no one is going anywhere, we will get through all of the tests of time together.
Favorite wedding detail: The décor of the wedding was probably our favorite detail. Our wedding planner created a masterpiece that we both loved and will forever cherish.
What are you most looking forward to as a married couple?
We are looking forward to growing together and building a stronger foundation.
We are most looking forward to starting our own legacy/family.
Advice for a Bride/Groom on their wedding day:
Please cherish every moment, take time out to just enjoy the right now and don’t let anyone ruin that moment for you guys. Set aside a time for just the two of you right after you say “I DO” to just bask in the fact that you guys have just made one of the most beautiful covenants between your union with each other and with GOD to become one. Most importantly, Have fun and don’t stress at all.
Congrats to the newlyweds Kristen and Larry! We wish you many more years of wedded bliss.
Vendors:
Photographer: Cory Dixon
Ceremony & reception location: The Bell Tower on 34th
Bridal gown: Cristiano Lucci/ Impression Bridal
Bridal party attire:
Bridesmaids: Alfred Sung/ Bella Bridesmaid
Groomsmen: Calvin Klein/ Men's Wearhouse
Cake: Edible Designs by Jessie
Wedding planners: Erica Gordon
Music: Samuel “Djatemo” Long
Hair: Brandi Smith
Makeup: Rae Michele
Flowers: Pam Lopez
Stationery: Invitation Solutions
Videography: Allen Jones
